Phil Neville can fill Stuart Pearce's boots

Phil Neville will be alongside Under-21s coach Brian Eastick in the Riverside dugout

Phil is in the learning process but he is the type of player that we should be encouraging into the coaching system

Brian Eastick

The Everton veteran, 35, will be alongside Under-21s coach Brian Eastick in the Riverside dugout for tonight’s European Championship qualifier against Belgium.

Neville has emerged as one of the country’s most respected figures, despite never being the most popular player during his 59-cap England career.

And according to Eastick, the defender’s passion and thirst for knowledge reminds him of Pearce during his early days in coaching.

“Phil is in the learning process but he is the type of player that we should be encouraging into the coaching system,” he said.

“He sees this as a good education. It mirrors Stuart in some way.

“We have let him sit in on all the meetings and discussions and the young players have appreciated him being here.”

Eastick, whose side will be looking to Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for inspiration as they seek revenge at Middlesbrough for last year’s defeat in Belgium, has been in regular touch with Pearce since the squad was announced.

He added: “The England Under-21s are still his team and I’m purely the caretaker.

“He will listen to my observations but then ultimately he will say, ‘I want this to be the team’.”